Prep Girls Track: Freeport, Boylan shine in sectional

FREEPORT — The two NIC-10 teams that were a part of the 14-team Class 2A Freeport Sectional had strong showings Friday night.

While the host Pretzels placed third as a team with 70 points, Boylan (62) was right behind them in fourth place, and both teams qualified multiple athletes for next week’s state meet in Charleston.

Senior Kristina Kladar had the biggest night for the Titans. First, she anchored the 4x800 relay team that won without an official time scored because of a power outage that caused a lengthy delay. She then won the 800 with a time of 2 minutes, 20.18 seconds, with teammate Delaney Appino also earning a state-qualifying time two spots behind her in third. Kladar’s night finished by helping Boylan to a second-place finish in the 4x400 relay, also good for state qualifying.

“She’s just been phenomenal,” Boylan coach Linda Schmitt said. “She missed last year by like half a second. I think to have a junior do that just inspires them a little bit more. She’s really done a great job of running smart, and running hard.”

“I’m extremely blessed and I’m so thankful to have this moment to share with my team,” Kladar added.

Bridget Bishop also qualified with a second-place throw in the shot put of 36-7 for the Titans.

The Pretzels were led by a pair of seniors, Ellie Willging and Ashley Simmons. Willging won both distance runs — the 1,600 and 3,200 — to assure herself of another individual state berth. Willging didn’t get a chance to compete in last year’s state meet because of an injury, but she’s happy to get another shot in Charleston.

“Last year was pretty tough but my teammates really helped me get through it,” Willging said. “It feels really good and we have some big goals as a team so it feels good to be able to contribute to those.”

Simmons qualified by taking first in the 200 and second in the 100, but was most pleased with the fact that her 4x200 relay team became state-bound after winning its race.

“I ultimately wanted to get the relay to state because it’s always good to have your team there with you, but this has been a really good night,” Simmons said.

Boylan’s 4X200 relay team placed fourth, but their time was also state qualifying.